SS Lexington was an American Passenger ship that collided with Jane Christenson and sank on 2 January 1935 on the East River in New York City while carrying general cargo and 201 passengers and crew from New York to Providence, Rhode Island.[1]

History
Name
  • United States Washington (1890-1910)
  • United States Lexington (1910-1935)
OwnerColonial Nav. Co.
Port of registryUnited States New York City, United States
BuilderHarlan & Hollingsworth
Yard number258
Completed1890
Acquired1890
In service1890
Identification
FateCollided with Jane Christenson and sunk 2 January 1935
General characteristics
TypePassenger ship
Tonnage1,249 GRT
Length75 metres (246 ft 1 in)
Beam14 metres (45 ft 11 in)
Depth4.7 metres (15 ft 5 in)
Installed power1 x 3-cyl. triple expansion engine
PropulsionScrew propeller
Speed15 knots
Capacity150 Passengers
Crew51

Construction

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Lexington was built at the Harlan & Hollingsworth shipyard in Wilmington, Delaware in 1890. Where she was launched and completed that same year. The ship was 75 metres (246 ft 1 in) long, had a beam of 14 metres (45 ft 11 in) and a depth of 4.7 metres (15 ft 5 in). She was assessed at 1,249 GRT and had 1 x 3-cyl. Triple expansion engine driving a single screw propeller. The ship could reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.[1]

Sinking

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Lexington left New York City on a voyage to Providence, Rhode Island on 2 January 1935 while carrying a general cargo and 201 passengers and crew. While she was steaming along the East River to reach New York Harbor, the ship collided with the SS Jane Christenson. The Jane Christenson broke the Lexington in half and sank her in the shallow waters, resulting in the death of 6 crew members. The 195 survivors were led back to shore and the Jane Christenson's damage was repaired, after which she continued service until 1967.[1]

Wreck

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The partly sunken wreck was scrapped as it posed a danger to other ships in the river.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "SS Lexington (+1935)". wrecksite.eu. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2018.